Washington, D.C.
(May 3, 2007) --
I get scores of e-mails every
week from readers asking everything from whether they should buy
a new HDTV to when will their TV provider add new high-def
channels.
So, from time to time, I will publish my responses here in this new column called, "Ask Swanni!"
Q. I still can't figure out if 1080p really matters. Should I get a HDTV that has 1080p or not? -- Tommy R.
Tommy, if cost is a consideration, don't worry about it. No cable or broadcast network is now broadcasting in 1080p and it may be years before one does. The only programming content available in 1080p are the Blu-ray and HD DVDs. So you won't miss much if your new set does not display high-def video in 1080p. But you will save money -- a 1080p HDTV costs more than one that can only display 1080i and 720p.
Now, that said, if you have the money, go ahead and get a 1080p set. You will be ready if -- and when -- the networks go 1080p. Plus, you will get more enjoyment from a Blu-ray or HD DVD player. The 1080p picture really pops if you are watching 1080p programming.
Q. Comcast just said it has a better HD picture than DIRECTV or EchoStar. What do you think? -- Ivan G.
Depending upon where you live, your cable or satellite picture can vary greatly. For example, I now live in a rural area in the Washington, D.C. area where I have both Comcast and DIRECTV. My DIRECTV picture is now much better than Comcast. However, when I lived in Northern Virginia, just outside of the city, my Comcast picture was better. The difference: Signal strength and other technical issues. So don't be swayed by all this back-and-forth on who has the better picture. It's not as simple as some people would like you to think.
Q. Will DIRECTV's new Video on Demand service have high-def movies? -- MaryJo. B.
DIRECTV this summer plans to launch a Broadband-based service on its HD DVR that will allow viewers to order movies and TV shows on demand. The satcaster says the lineup will include high-def films.
Q. If you were putting together a Home Theater, would you get a front projector and wall screen or just a regular HDTV? -- Wayne D.
With a front projector, you can display a high-def image on a wall screen that can exceed 100 inches. However, you'll need a big room -- and a dark room. The projector's HD image will not display well if light is coming into the room. So for living rooms, bedrooms and rec rooms, a regular high-def set may be your answer. But if you have a big basement where you can close off the light, a front projector and wall screen will look smashing.
So, from time to time, I will publish my responses here in this new column called, "Ask Swanni!"
Q. I still can't figure out if 1080p really matters. Should I get a HDTV that has 1080p or not? -- Tommy R.
Tommy, if cost is a consideration, don't worry about it. No cable or broadcast network is now broadcasting in 1080p and it may be years before one does. The only programming content available in 1080p are the Blu-ray and HD DVDs. So you won't miss much if your new set does not display high-def video in 1080p. But you will save money -- a 1080p HDTV costs more than one that can only display 1080i and 720p.
Now, that said, if you have the money, go ahead and get a 1080p set. You will be ready if -- and when -- the networks go 1080p. Plus, you will get more enjoyment from a Blu-ray or HD DVD player. The 1080p picture really pops if you are watching 1080p programming.
Q. Comcast just said it has a better HD picture than DIRECTV or EchoStar. What do you think? -- Ivan G.
Depending upon where you live, your cable or satellite picture can vary greatly. For example, I now live in a rural area in the Washington, D.C. area where I have both Comcast and DIRECTV. My DIRECTV picture is now much better than Comcast. However, when I lived in Northern Virginia, just outside of the city, my Comcast picture was better. The difference: Signal strength and other technical issues. So don't be swayed by all this back-and-forth on who has the better picture. It's not as simple as some people would like you to think.
Q. Will DIRECTV's new Video on Demand service have high-def movies? -- MaryJo. B.
DIRECTV this summer plans to launch a Broadband-based service on its HD DVR that will allow viewers to order movies and TV shows on demand. The satcaster says the lineup will include high-def films.
Q. If you were putting together a Home Theater, would you get a front projector and wall screen or just a regular HDTV? -- Wayne D.
With a front projector, you can display a high-def image on a wall screen that can exceed 100 inches. However, you'll need a big room -- and a dark room. The projector's HD image will not display well if light is coming into the room. So for living rooms, bedrooms and rec rooms, a regular high-def set may be your answer. But if you have a big basement where you can close off the light, a front projector and wall screen will look smashing.
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Q. Do you know when Comcast will add Wealth TV? I heard it has some cool segments on cars and travel. -- Aaron P.
Wealth TV is a high-def channel that offers programming for the jet-set audience, including shows on fast cars, exotic vacation spots and pricey gadgets. Time Warner recently added the channel's top shows to its HD On Demand lineup and I think it's more likely you'll see there on Comcast before it becomes a full-time network in its lineup.
Q. Do you think the new high-def DVD players will be priced under $200 this holiday season? -- Tammie V.
Probably not that low, but I do think you'll see some discount stores offer HD DVD players for around $299 or maybe $279. Blu-ray players will be a bit more, though.
Q. Do you see 42-inch Plasma HDTVs going under $1,000 this holiday season? -- Katherine R.
Looks like people are getting ready for the holidays already. Well, Katherine, I do see that happening. I think you'll be able to buy a name-brand 42-inch Plasma HDTV for around $999 or $949 this Christmas.
Q. Do you use an antenna for your local high-def channels? Isn't the picture better if you use an antenna? -- Robert C.
No, I have DIRECTV and Comcast for local HD; I was told by an area CE installer that a rooftop antenna wouldn't pick up the local signals where I live. However, you might want to try one where you live. The picture can be better, depending again on many factors, including signal strength and your choice in a TV provider.
Q. What's up with EchoStar? Why are they so quiet about everything they do? All we ever hear about is DIRECTV's 100 HD channels! -- Cory T.
Cory, you got me. For some reason, EchoStar won't comment on almost anything these days. I have tried several times to get an interview with one of its executives about high-def, but they refuse. Sometimes when a company's this quiet for a period of time, it portends some serious activity behind the scenes. So, I'll keep my ears and eyes open.
Comment on this article!
Click TVPredictions.com to see today's Swanni Sez.
© TVPredictions.com
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Q. Do you know when Comcast will add Wealth TV? I heard it has some cool segments on cars and travel. -- Aaron P.
Wealth TV is a high-def channel that offers programming for the jet-set audience, including shows on fast cars, exotic vacation spots and pricey gadgets. Time Warner recently added the channel's top shows to its HD On Demand lineup and I think it's more likely you'll see there on Comcast before it becomes a full-time network in its lineup.
Q. Do you think the new high-def DVD players will be priced under $200 this holiday season? -- Tammie V.
Probably not that low, but I do think you'll see some discount stores offer HD DVD players for around $299 or maybe $279. Blu-ray players will be a bit more, though.
Q. Do you see 42-inch Plasma HDTVs going under $1,000 this holiday season? -- Katherine R.
Looks like people are getting ready for the holidays already. Well, Katherine, I do see that happening. I think you'll be able to buy a name-brand 42-inch Plasma HDTV for around $999 or $949 this Christmas.
Q. Do you use an antenna for your local high-def channels? Isn't the picture better if you use an antenna? -- Robert C.
No, I have DIRECTV and Comcast for local HD; I was told by an area CE installer that a rooftop antenna wouldn't pick up the local signals where I live. However, you might want to try one where you live. The picture can be better, depending again on many factors, including signal strength and your choice in a TV provider.
Q. What's up with EchoStar? Why are they so quiet about everything they do? All we ever hear about is DIRECTV's 100 HD channels! -- Cory T.
Cory, you got me. For some reason, EchoStar won't comment on almost anything these days. I have tried several times to get an interview with one of its executives about high-def, but they refuse. Sometimes when a company's this quiet for a period of time, it portends some serious activity behind the scenes. So, I'll keep my ears and eyes open.
Comment on this article!
Click TVPredictions.com to see today's Swanni Sez.
© TVPredictions.com
____________________________________________
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_______________________________________________________
Phillip Swann is
president and publisher of TVPredictions.com. He has been quoted in
dozens of publications and broadcast outlets, including CNN, Fox
News, Inside Edition, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The
Chicago Tribune, The Financial Times, The Associated Press and The
Hollywood Reporter. He can be reached at
swann@tvpredictions.com
or at 703-505-3064.
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